Police are on the hunt for a pair of bandits linked to a string of armed robberies and assaults in the southeast over the holidays.

The crime spree started on Dec. 19 when two masked men held up a Circle K convenience store at 9909 Fairmont drive S.E. around 1 a.m. with what police believe was a sawed-off shotgun.

Just days later, on Dec. 22, police said the suspects robbed another Circle K at 4242 7 Street S.E. just before 10 p.m.

And on Sunday, police were called to the Mac’s convenience store in the 7000 block of 18 Street S.E. just after 7:15 a.m. for reports of a third robbery.

When emergency crews arrived they found an employee suffering from a minor head injury. Calgary police Staff Sgt. Guy Baker said one of the suspects used the butt of the shotgun to strike the employee.

“We believe that they’re targeting Circle K convenience stores, they are hitting at various times through the day, not just the night,” Baker said.

The suspects fled the scene of Sunday’s robbery and assault in a blue SUV, but Baker said there were three vehicles reported stolen in the area of the store on Sunday within an hour of the robbery and it’s possible the men are now travelling in a different vehicle.

The first suspect is described as approximately 6 feet tall with a medium build. The second suspect is described as approximately five-foot-nine inches tall with a medium to heavy build.

Both men covered their faces and were wearing “outdoor work-type clothing” during the hold ups, police said.

Police are asking convenience store workers “to be extra diligent” and call police immediately if they witness any suspicious activity.

Baker advises any clerks who are victims of a robbery to follow directions, don’t fight back and “be a good witness.”

Anyone with information about the suspects or these incidents is asked to call the Calgary Police Service non-emergency line at 403-266-1234.